Foul-weather Gear

Florida Sportsman

In the December 2010 issue, editor Jeff Weakley makes a good case for covering up with quality foul-weather gear during the Florida winter.

Cabela’s Guidewear X300 Parka and Bib

The Guidewear fabric has a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane. The parka-length jacket gives enhanced protection at the mid-seation, and features fleece-lined collar, easy-pull front zipper and protective storm flap. The bib has long front-entry and half-leg zippers, with elastic suspenders with quick-release buckles. Suggested retail price: $229.99-$259.99 for the parka, $219.99-$229.99 for the bib. Color options are black, red/black, forest/black, and a wide range of sizes is available. www.cabelas.com

Columbia PFG Supercell Jacket and Bib

Columbia Sportswear’s proprietary—and heavily tested—Omni-Dry breathable waterproof technology is featured in this new rainwear combo that looks ideal for Florida boaters. The air-permeable membrane layer lets moisture vapor move away from your body, while resisting rain and spray from the outside. The fully seam-sealed jacket has an adjustable hood and low-profile zippers; the bib, adjustable shoulder straps, full-length front zipper, and reinforced knees. Available January 2011. Suggested retail price: $350 for the jacket, $350 for the bib. www.columbia.com

Gill Coast Jacket and Trousers

This new combo from a proven foul-weather gear apparel company is aimed squarely at boaters seeking rain and spray protection in temperate weather. The Coast Jacket features a roll-away, adjustable hood; two-way zipper; adjustable cuffs; high-visibility reflective patches and an inside storage pocket. The Trousers (a bib, basically) have full-length front zipper and zippered legs for easy pulling over boots. Both pieces include the company’s 2-Dot breathable fabric. Men’s, women’s and junior sizes are available. The jacket comes in navy, silver, gray, red and yellow; the trousers are graphite color. Suggested retail price: $169 for the jacket, $145 for the trousers. www.gillna.com

RedHead Stretch Rainwear

RedHead brand apparel sold through Bass Pro Shops includes a new Stretch packable system of rainwear—which does what the name imples, stretch to conform to your shape and movement. The jacket has an adjustable hood and front zipper pockets; the pants, elastic waist and snap adjustable ankle cuffs. Retail price: $69.99 for the jacket, $59.99-$64.99 for the pants. Both pieces are are a polyester/spandex blend available in charcoal, black, navy and olive, and come with a drawstring carry bag. www.basspro.com

Shimano Dryfender–HD

Shimano developed its own waterproof and breathable material for its first foray into the rainwear apparel market. The navy-color jacket features taped seams with center front zippers and storm flap closure, plus adjustable neoprene cuffs. Gray Dryfender pants (shown in photo) feature zippered fly and elastic waist with draw cord. Bib is gray with adjustable shoulder straps, articulated knees and zippered leg bottoms for easy on and off. Suggested retail price: $199.99 for the jacket, $79.99 for the pants, $179.99 for the bib; available in sizes small through XXL. www.fish.shimano.com

The newly redesigned Third Reef coastal-weight jacket has a lined, breathable, waterproof nylon fabric, zippered handwarmer pockets, gusseted cargo pockets, internal zip pocket with headphone port, and foldaway hood with one-handed shock cord adjustment. The bib has adjustable pant cuffs, reinforced seat and knees, and elastic waist and shoulder straps. Men’s and women’s sizes are available for both products, in red, yellow, blue and steel for the jacket, blue or yellow for the bib. Suggested retail price: $129 for the jacket, $109 for the bib. www.westmarine.com

Helly Hansen Hydropower Jacket and Pants

A trusted name in outdoor apparel, Helly Hansen brings its proprietary Helly Tech breathable/waterproof layers to the new Hydropower line. The hip-length jacket features adjustable hood, articulated arms, reflective patches and inshore height collar, available in white, blue or ebony, sizes XS to 2XL. The Hydropower Quick pants come in white or ebony, and feature reinforced bottoms and knees, as well as cargo pants and velcro waist adjustment. Suggested retail price for the jacket, $180; the pants, $120. www.hellyhansen.com

Bluefin USA Big Game Jacket

This is a real special foul weather jacket. It’s a little bit longer than regular jackets and has a higher collar, better coverage over the zipper and a bigger hood. Thanks to its membrane, the inside moisture quickly passes through to the exterior leaving you completely dry. This same membrane has the capacity to resist high water pressure and thanks to a special coat that’s applied to it, it is also windproof. The reflective bands and labels play an important part in ensuring the safety at sea. The Bluefin Big Game is a tow layer jacket made of nylon and polyurethane and it’s thermo-taped. It comes in M and 3XL sizes.Due to its technical and safety properties, it is the best to endure even the harshest weather conditions. www.bluefinusa.com